Tempting Thursday- A Nod To The Oscars

Even though it seems like the Oscars were just here; we are actually getting ready for the 2011 Oscars which are set for Feb. 27th.

Here’s a look at my top 10 best dressed actresses of the Oscars.

 

Penélope Cruz (2007)
 
Cruz's gorgeous Atelier Versace gown with its elaborately feathered train shown above the endless sea of black and slinky.

 

Nicole Kidman (1996)
 
It would take quite a dress to upstage Tom Cruise, circa Mission: Impossible. But this chartreuse John Galliano for Dior gown did just that.

 

Halle Berry (2002)
 
Berry's gown proved the star-making power of Oscar's red carpet  and not just for the actress. Barry not only garnered a few gasps for her win for Monster's Ball turn but also for Elie Saab whose demurely revealing design earned him a spot on the fashion map.

 

Grace Kelly (1955)
 
Her chic yet understated ice blue satin gown has since positioned the Best Actress winner as the fashion icon to beat.

 

Catherine Zeta-Jones (1999)
 
Picking another perfect hue, this fire-red Versace certified the Zorro star is siren.

 

Cate Blanchett (1999)
 
The Best Actress nominee (Elizabeth) netted the fashion accolades in this effortlessly slinky, dramatically embroidered John Galliano gown.

 

Audrey Hepburn (1954)
 
You can't have a conversation about Hollywood icons without mentioning the original gamine, whose classic Givenchy gown made the night of her Roman Holiday win even more spectacular.

 

Winona Ryder (2000)
 
Ryder turning up in this '40s-era Pauline Trigere vintage gown took the actress from grunge to glamour.

 

Helen Mirren (2007)
 
In a decadent bodice-skimming Christian Lacroix, the Best Actress winner (The Queen) gave new life to the term ''silver fox.''

 

Uma Thurman (1995)
 
Can you remember when no one, not even the devil, wore Prada? It was the Pulp Fiction star's lavender gown that launched the Italian label into the mainstream.

Stimulation Saturday

Today's Stimulation Saturday focuses on Grace Kelly. The pentacle of elegance. When you hear the name Grace Kelly, instant visions of elegance and grace come to mind. She was America's princess. This week 50 of Grace Kelly's outfits are on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, in a show called Grace Kelly: Style Icon. The exhibit is divided, much like Gaul, into 3 parts:Actress, Bride and Princess. Most of the clothing comes from her films, however. Grace Kelly was a fashion goddess. She had an innate style that few possess. It was her mother, Margaret, who gave her daughter not only her drive and discipline, but also her lithe, ballerina's figure and her love of clothes - especially hats. Always, always hats, and short, white cotton gloves. From the first moment she stepped in front of the camera in 1950 she stunned the world with her natural glamour and dazzling style. Dressed by Dior and Givenchy-Grace Kelly had a look that was flawlessly chic, Whether she was dressed down in capri's, a crisp white shirt, and ballet flats (To Catch A Thief) or dressed up in a soft tweed suit, her signature hat & clothes and the ever present large Hermes bag; she wore a veil of sophistication that was imprinted in time. "I just buy clothes that take my eye, and I wear them for years." It wasn't until Grace Kelly married Prince Rainer III of Monaco that her status as a fashion icon was sealed on a global level. On April 19th Grace Kelly married Prince Rainer in an elaborate wedding attended by 600 guests and viewed by over 30 million people. Her dress was designed by MGM costume designer Helen Rose. It took over a dozen seamstresses 6 weeks to complete. Kelly's style is as classic today as it was 40 years ago. The 2010 runways are packed with a minimalist restrained style that captures Grace Kelly to a T. Grace Kelly died in 1982 in a car accident. But even after her death her legend lives on. Here are some pieces from my store that capture the classic Kelly style.